Damn that meddling meatball brain. After her manipulative ways with Jerry's help, he found himself at the elementary school often. When he wasn't at work, he was spending time with the kids. That included Serena's little sister, Rini. At 10 years old, the girl already had a sharp tongue like her sister. Her mannerisms in general screamed Serena. At this moment, Darien sat down in art class with his favorite group of kids. He was trying to mold his own blob of clay into an airplane, but it was looking more like the first car he wrecked when he was 13. He looked over at Rini who was playing with her ball of clay, but all of her attention was out the window. He stood up from his seat, tiptoeing behind her to see out the window. It was another class out in the courtyard.

"Watcha looking at?"

Rini jumped from her seat, "That's improper grammar. Don't say that."

Darien rolled his eyes at her response. He dragged a stool from the other table then sat down. "What's so much more interesting outside compared to the work of art in your hands?"

The boy across from Rini snickered, "It's because Helios is outside."

Rini threw a piece of clay at him, "Shut up!"

Darien's curiosity grew, "Who is Helios?"

"No one." Rini replied, glaring at her classmates who tried to speak up.

The one Rini made as target practice, Flynn, must have had a death wish. "Rini wants him to be her boyfriend."

Darien's eyes widened in shock. Rini tried to launch herself at her classmate, but was held down by Darien. Darien covered her mouth as she struggled against his grip. He pointed to Flynn, "Start talking."

"Rini's been looking at Helios forever!"

Darien pointed to the girl next to Flynn, "She gave him a Valentine's Day card she made and he accepted!"

Flynn rolled her eyes, "He accepted everyone's gift Hana. The gifts were mandatory so no one's left behind."

"No! It's only mandatory in your class. Helios is two years above us." Hana corrected then turned her attention back to Darien, "She's had a crush on him for years."

Rini managed to get out of Darien's grasp, "Stop blabbing your big fat mouth!" Rini ran out of classroom with Darien following her. Darien looked at both ends of the hallway, but didn't see the pink hair blob anywhere. He ran a hand through his hair, tugging it when he still didn't spot Rini. How did a little girl get away from him so fast? He looked down the from the 3rd story floor and saw her on the first floor in the courtyard sitting on a bench. He didn't see any of the older kids so they must have gone back to class. He slowly approached her before sitting on the bench next to her.

"So Helios…"

Rini glared at him, "Yes I like him. That doesn't mean you get to make fun of me too."

"I'm not making fun of you. I'm concerned." Darien began.

Rini turned to him in confusion, "Why?"

"Don't you think he's a little old for you? I mean what's wrong with boys your age or better yet no boys at all. Girls are trouble too so no girls either." Darien explained.

Rini gave him a deadpanned expression, "You can't be serious."

"I'm serious. Why would I joke around with something like this?" Darien exclaimed.

Rini giggled at his response, "Serena said you're crazy."

Darien rolled his eyes, "Have you met your sister? She's the definition of absolute insanity."

Once he had Rini in pile of giggles, it was time for the serious stuff, "Tell me more about Helios. I promise I won't tease you."

Rini played with her fingers in thought before nodding slowly. "I first saw Helios two years ago. His artwork was displayed after he won a national award for it. He made sculptures and put them in his family's botanic garden."

"You've never talked to him before?"

Rini shook her head, "We talked when I went to the library like he usually does during lunches."

Darien stared at her with a deadpanned expression, "So you stalked him."

Rini shook her head her cheeks beginning to redden, "No! I know his patterns! It's not what it sounds like."

"Sure it isn't." Darien sneered in a sarcastic tone. He really did believe Rini was too young to face the disappointments that love had to offer. He was going to make it his goal to get the girl off of her silly crush.

"You're worse than my brother." Rini rolled her eyes as Darien scoffed at the statement.

"Of course I'll be worse than your brother. I'm thinking more supreme figure of protectiveness." Darien declared.

Rini laughed, "You mean like a dad?"

Darien knew she was joking but he saw the slight fear in her garnet eyes. He didn't know what happened to her parents, but he didn't want to see that expression on her face ever again. He placed a hand on her head and patted it gently, "I'll be brother/dad extraordinaire."

Rini beamed at him before she launched onto Darien's lap. She pulled him into a tight hug around his neck that made it hard for him to breathe, but Darien didn't care. He returned her hug just as tightly. Yep, the best activity Serena ever made him do.

! #$! $! $! #$ Q#$

Later that night, Darien tugged on his suit as he stood near the refreshments table. This was far from a small get together Michiru and Haruka had told him, but because the couple knew every single person in the backyard personally it was a small get together by their standards. Haruka and Michiru had been engaged since they graduated high school and after 7 years, they've finally thrown an engagement party. He stood next to Trista who was enjoying a conversation with some composer's wife or something like that. Because Trista's husband was directing a movie, he was absent so Darien had to watch over her to make sure Trista behaved herself. It wasn't like her husband could do anything about Trista's dry remarks, but someone needed to make sure she maintained some tact. Trista may be charming, but she was infamous for her backhanded compliments. His gaze drifted off towards his friends and family. They were usually grouped together except Nate who his mother had set up a date for him again.

"Are you ok Darien?" He looked up at the older woman's false look of concern. Old ladies always wanted some gossip at their next garden party. He'll give her gossip.

He plastered a wide grin, "It's only been a month since I've been sober. Being around so much alcohol is making me a little antsy."

The old woman's eyes widened not expecting that statement. Darien winced when Trista elbowed him in the stomach, her beautiful smile still etched on her face. "I apologize for my little brother's immature behavior. He's lying about his sobriety, he's tipsy at the moment. Aren't you?"

Darien's grin remained, but internally he was mentally dropping pianos on her, "Gotta love that beer. It's from Scotland, I'm getting more if you'll excuse me."

He walked away not waiting for a dismissal. God he hated entertaining his people! The upper elite were the most boring people to talk to. Sure they all had the most colorful pasts but to keep their money they threw away their personalities. Not all of them. His family were a bunch of wild cards. In their world, the Shields family were nicknamed the wildcards because no one really ever knew how they were going to act at social events. They were known for their chaos inside of the family. He waltzed over to the happy couple who were both sitting in the middle of the yard surrounded by well-wishers. How dramatic could those two be? He waited for a familiar looking girl to stomp away before approaching them.

"I know her somewhere." Darien pointed out as Haruka glared the retreating figure.

"She's Michiru's ex."

Darien snorted. "You've been together since you were 10."

Michiru rolled her eyes, "We broke up in college and I was exploring more options. I didn't think Marie was going to be a whack job."

"I didn't even know she invited our exes to our engagement party. This is the 3rd one we've encountered." Haruka said, running a hand through her hair with a confused expression.

"I'm a possessive person." Michiru gave a slight smirk afterwards that sent shivers down Haruka and Darien's spines.

"So have you made actual wedding plans?" Darien asked.

Michiru shook her head, "Haruka just got the part composing for Trista's movie. I have the European part of the tour to finish up. Not this year."

"What about you? If she rejects you again, it'll be the 4th time." Haruka questioned trying to look innocent, but Darien saw right through her false concern.

"We don't believe it is the right time." Darien replied while glaring at the blondes. The blondes in his life have been so troublesome. Trista approached the three a few minutes later with an annoyed look on her face.

She turned to Darien, "Get her down here."

"Who?"

"Serena, she won't come down because of the dress I chose for her." Trista rolled her eyes, "She keeps complaining about her chicken legs. I chose a dress that suited her perfectly, I've never failed so I know it's not me."

"Why do I have to do it?" Darien groaned.

Trista rolled her eyes at his whining, "Because grandma wants you to watch her. She's an important asset."

"Because she's meddling in my life she's suddenly important?" Darien asked incredulously.

"Yes."

Darien shook his head, "She's important to you. Not to me. So you can get her."

"Because I have to give a speech soon, look just get her out of there and at the party. You can leave her alone afterwards." Trista walked away making long strides, not waiting for Darien's answer.

Darien groaned before stomping towards his grandparents' house on the property. He banged on the door with his fist.

"Hey Cupid, come out." Darien called out at the door and he heard some shuffling.

"Go away you asshole, I'm fine." Darien glared at the door. He is forced to help her and is cursed at. Oh we'll see about that.

"I have a key, Princess." Darien taunted. He lifted the vase off the table at the end of the hall revealing a copper key. He heard her curse several more times through the door before he slid the key in. He opened the door only to see no one. Where's that meatball head? His eyes looked over the room until he saw a pair of black heels peeking out behind the curtain.

"Stop being a child and get out here." Darien demanded to the creme curtain. The round shape behind the curtain moved back and forth in refusal. Darien sighed, he wasn't paid enough to do this. He took a step towards the pulley and began to draw the curtains back. The curtain abruptly stopped moving. He looked over at the manicured fingers holding onto the curtain tightly. The blonde underneath poked her head out, her eyes narrowing at him.

"What are you doing?"

Darien gave her an indignant look, "I have to get you down to that party then I can be on my merry way pretending to be a recovering alcoholic and failing."

Serena gave him a puzzled look, "What are you talking about?

Darien shook his head, "It's a long story. Just come on out."

"I don't want to wear this dress, I look awful." Serena protested as she tried to hold on to the curtains as she felt him tug on it.

"Come on, I'm sure you don't look that bad." Darien said trying to sound encouraging, "My sister's pretty good at fashion and stuff. She chose my whole wardrobe before she moved."

"Really?"

"Yes. Trista will make you look less like a troll."

"Hey!" Serena cried. Darien snickered pulling on the pulley when he felt her let go. His eyes widened at the red fabric that hugged her waist and chest. The dress stopped at least an inch above her knee. Her legs didn't resemble the ones on a chicken at all. He mentally slapped himself at his thoughts. Remember she's a succubus hired to ruin his life. Granted now a pretty one...no! She's a troll in a dress.

"See even you think it's hideous. Look how disproportionate my legs are in this gaudy thing! I look like marshmallow and my legs are toothpicks." Serena complained.

"I'd say more...penguin?" Darien muttered not too quietly. In the back of his mind he knew her legs were no penguin but better than his inappropriate thoughts.

Serena gave a deadpanned expression, "Penguin?"

"Hey, they're thicker than toothpicks!" Darien exclaimed.

Serena's eyes widened before she bent down to cover her legs, "Why the hell are you looking down there? I never gave you permission."

"Do you yell that to the world?" Darien pointed at a random spot in the room as he mocked her, "Hey you sir, have you asked permission to look upon my face because I'm so damn significant!"

Serena whacked him on the legs with her large metal bracelet causing him to fall over, "That's not what I meant!"

Darien sat up rubbing his ankle. He pulled up his pants to reveal a dark bruise forming on his shin, "I tried giving you a compliment and this is how you thank me?"

"You were mocking me! Calling me a penguin is not a compliment." Serena scolded.

Darien nodded vigorously, "Yes it is! Have you seen a penguin? They're a catch in the animal kingdom. Forever in a tuxedo that's a compliment."

"You called my legs short and stubby. Also you were looking at them. You're my client that can't happen." Serena said seriously.

Darien rubbed his leg and stared at her serious expression. He stood up, looking down at the petite blonde still squatting while hugging her legs. He held out a hand causing her to look up at him. He watched her eyes go through a dozen emotions before she placed her hand in his. His eyes widened at the sudden warmth and comfort he felt when her hand was in his. Her eyes for a second widened like his, but it disappeared shortly afterwards. He let his hand drop from hers before turning towards the door

"I'll give you five minutes to finish up before I come in here and force you to come down myself." Darien said with a smile

"How barbaric. Isn't this supposed to be a classy event?" Serena joked as Darien shrugged in reply before closing the door.

Serena's teasing smile fell as she dropped onto the bed. This wasn't supposed to be happening. She wasn't supposed to feel those stupid insects invading her body with their fluttering. Her hand moved over to her chest where she felt as if her heart was going to come out of her chest. Darien was supposed to be a potential enemy. Serena tried to avoid these feelings because in the end, she was going to get hurt. How she wished she cut the string when she had the chance? Not feeling any of these feelings for the rest of her life would have been better. Serena shook her head at her thoughts then patted her cheeks. She could do this. She just had to see Madeline, express what she sees than that's it. If Darien wanted to stay with her then so be it. Why did the sound of that make her throat clench? No this was just a temporary thing. Once he was out of her life, it'll go back to the way it used to be.

She yanked open the door to see him leaning against the wall playing with his phone. Maybe she could pretend to be one of her clients and act all silly around a potential. She placed her hands on her hips before walking past him. She heard him almost fall from his balanced position against the wall as he hurried to catch up to her. Serena tried to smile at him, but it came out as a grimace before her automatic glare. Darien returned her glare before using longer strides to walk past her. Serena watched his back up ahead wondering where her momentary madness came from. She shook her head of her stupid thoughts before running as fast as she could in those pointy contractions called shoes.

"Hey!" Serena yelled when she caught up to him.

Darien played innocent, "I was wondering where you disappeared off to meatball head."

Serena pointed to her head, "As you can see no meatballs in sight. You can't call me that."

Darien squinted, narrowed his eyes, and then tilted his head sideways. "The brain is still a meatball though."

Serena huffed and then kicked the same shin she hit earlier. He jumped up holding onto his leg jumping up and down. Serena stuck her tongue out before stalking away from the injured man. Darien cursed at her in 3 languages at her retreating back. Serena looked over her shoulder giggling she didn't notice the rock pile she was about to walk in. In her usual tennis shoes she would have been fine; however, her heels didn't have a good grip to the ground resulting in a falling Serena. She closed her eyes waiting for painful impact, but it didn't happen. She doubted the fall down would have been that long. Her eyes opened to meet eyes that were the same color as storm clouds. How intriguing. Her savior smirked at her awed expression before twirling her to her feet.

"First time in heels?" Haruka asked.

"No, but I've never mastered the art of walking." Serena replied looking down at her shoes.

"I'm Haruka, the other bride I suppose. I hate that word. Well groom doesn't sound any better." Haruka introduced sticking her hand out.

Serena took it, "Serena. Congratulations."

A flash of recognition flashed in Haruka's eyes, "You're the matchmaker for our little brother."

"Brother?" Serena asked with a smile.

"I've known him since he was 7. So yes, brother. I hope to hear good news about your plans." Haruka said with an eager smile.

Serena raised an eyebrow, "You don't like his girlfriend either."

"None of the women in his life like his girlfriend. His grandfather expresses the same thoughts as ours only he's more subtle about it." Haruka shrugged, "His grandfather's crazy in his own way, but no one beats Wanda when it comes to her great grandkids."

"What about Trista? Isn't she married?" Serena asked.

Haruka nodded, "She's married, but not ready to have kids yet. Both her husband and her work in the movie industry as directors."

A woman walked up to the pair resembling a fairy tale princess. Her turquoise hair curled at end ends falling softly an inch underneath her shoulders. Unlike Haruka who was dressed casually in dress pants and a button up shirt, she wore a pale pink dress that was more overdressed compared to her partner. She hooked her arm with Haruka's before smiling at Serena. It was one of those smiles you read about that all princesses had.

Haruka rolled her eyes playfully, "This is Michiru the other bride. Michiru, this is Serena."

Michiru's smile widened, "You're the matchmaker Wanda's praising over by the fountain."

"You don't like his girlfriend." Serena stated. She didn't bother asking anymore.

"I believe Darien can do better. He's just too stubborn to realize that." Michiru said with a slight smirk, "I don't support interfering in his life however."

"It's not interfering, more of giving him a push in the right direction." Haruka corrected.

Michiru rolled her eyes then a mischievous look appeared, "How do you see us?"

Serena smirked watching Haruka silently beg her not to, but she had to oblige. It was part of her overly active cupid desire. "You're soulmates with a deep understanding of the love you share for each other."

Michiru and Haruka exchanged glances with each other having a conversation no one else can hear. Haruka gave a wide smile, but tried to appear nonchalant. "That's pretty corny."

"I've learned people like corny." Serena replied.

Michiru nudged Haruka with her elbow, "You were afraid for no reason."

"I wasn't. Even if she said we are meant to be sworn enemies, I would still marry you." Haruka expressed.

"You do know I can't break up Darien and his girlfriend if neither of them wants to." Serena said in a serious tone, "I don't have the power to do that. I give advice and you can choose to follow it or not."

Haruka opened her mouth, but Michiru quickly interrupted, "And we don't expect you to. We just want what's best for Darien and if he decides if sadly it's Madeline, then we'll leave him alone."

Haruka scoffed at the suggestion as Michiru glared at her, "We'll leave them alone." She said forcefully, "Won't we?"

"Yes." Haruka agreed begrudgingly.

Darien came to the trio a minute later. He was planning on tracking the succubus down until he saw her talking to the girls he was hoping she wouldn't talk to. It wasn't that they didn't matter to him, it was the opposite. Darien valued Haruka and Michiru's opinions as much as his sister's. All of them agreed on the subject with his girlfriend. Michiru gave him a pageant smile as Haruka smirked.

"What are you talking about?" Darien asked looking wary.

Michiru shrugged, "Politics, boring stuff."

He knew that was code word for something. Michiru always said politics when they were talking about topics he didn't like. Particularly Madeline. "I've found a new interest in politics, I doubt it'll be boring."

"It's French politics. I remember your French being quite mediocre. It ended with you declaring to want nothing to do with that country." Michiru smiled as Darien narrowed his eyes at her while Haruka snickered in the back.

"We'll talk to you later Darien, I do love this song." Haruka led Michiru out to dance before Darien could further fail due to Michiru's wit.

Serena giggled at his reaction, those giggles turning into hearty laughs when he turned his glare on her.

"It's not funny."

Serena nodded, "Yes it is! I've never seen you so not composed. No that's a lie. I've seen your insane true self one too many times."

"I bet I can make you feel as flustered and irritated as I felt with all of the things you've had me done for the past few weeks." Darien crossed his arms, waiting for her reply to his challenge.

Serena raised an eyebrow, "Fine, I dare you."

Darien looked around the room in thought before a light bulb popped in his mind, "Dance with me."

Serena's eyes widened, "Excuse me? No!"

He grinned in victory then extended his hand out to her, "I win."

Serena glared at the hand then at Darien, but not for the reasons he thought. She was angry at her heart racing at the thought of taking his hand. Damn feelings. She narrowed her eyes at the outstretched hand before taking it surprising Darien. Just as she predicted her heart began to feel as if it were about to fall out of her chest, but Serena remained controlled. Darien didn't suspect a thing.

Darien took her hand and dragged her towards the grass with the other dancing couples. He placed her hands on her tiny waist and felt her shiver, but her face revealed nothing. Serena placed her other hand on his shoulder as the two began to sway. To anyone else watching they were the most awkward couple with both of them remaining stiff as they danced. Their steps didn't match the rhythm and it was only a matter of time before someone got injured.

"Ow!" Serena yelped then returned the gesture.

"Damn it!" Darien cursed glaring down at the troll in his arms.

"You started it!"

"Well if maybe someone didn't try to lead it wouldn't have happened."

Serena's eyes narrowed, "If the person that's supposed to be leading actually did his job, I wouldn't have tried gorilla feet."

"Gorilla feet? I take it back, they are toothpicks!" Darien retorted as Serena gasped.

Darien laughed at her expression as Serena's anger faded a tad bit. She whipped out her phone to snap a photo at him with the flash on. When the tiny dots went away from his eyes, he found Serena giggling on her stupid flip phone.

"Give me that! What did you do?" He leaned over trying to snatch the phone away, but Serena easily ducked under his arms twirling somewhere else.

"This is the first time you've genuinely smile at me." She turned her phone around, "Look at this dumb expression."

"Give me that meatball brain!" Darien failed to grab the pixie who dodged him.

"Come back here toothpicks!"

The guests laughed pointing to the two as they ran around the yard. Darien Shields got a new girlfriend, they gossiped. No one noticed said ex-girlfriend lurking near the gates with a suitcase. Normally she hated being ignored, but observing the scene around her she welcomed it. She glared at the couple before turning back to her car. He'll see her tomorrow. Darien Shields has a lot of explaining to do.